The February Technology Evening was hosted by Phoenix Contact South Africa. Kevin Preston, who is currently in their employ as group manager CIS & IE, presented on industrial wireless technology. Kevin is currently responsible for the Interface, I/O and Networks and CIS product ranges.
The presentation covered the full gambit of industrial wireless technology in the automation field and addressed the various technologies and topologies, namely Trusted Wireless, Industrial Bluetooth, Wireless LAN/Ethernet, 3G/GSM based systems and Wireless HART.
Mike Banda (right) thanks Kevin Preston after the presentation.
These technologies all co-exist in the same frequency band, are licence-free and are not affected by electromagnetic interference from plant and machinery. These systems are all capable of being integrated into existing systems and are compatible with all scada, DCS and PLC suppliers.
These technologies are growing in popularity due to their secure, cost-effective ease of installation in a broad spectrum of applications. Included in the presentation were case studies of various operational systems covering a vast array of applications.
The case studies covered applications both local and abroad, but were relevant to local industry. Some of the applications included:
• Replacement of cables on overhead cranes.
• Mobile vehicle connections in warehouses and plants.
• Vernacular control at Cape Point.
• Aircraft gate support systems.
• Leaky cable for track-guided systems, mainly in automotive manufacture.
• Control of revolving machinery such as stranding machines.
• Safe wireless transport systems for elevators.
• Remote mill monitoring and bag filling.
• Centrifuge control and monitoring at waste water plants.
• Safe wireless control and monitoring of fuel tank farms.
The Johannesburg branch of the SAIMC thanks Kevin for his valuable and informative presentation that was very well received.
SAIMC Zambia SAIMC
SAIMC News
SAIMC Zambia marked its 21st anniversary with the annual SAIMC Banquet, held on 29 November 2025 at Mukwa Lodge in Kitwe, Zambia.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Branch closed off its 2025 technology meetings with an exceptionally well-attended session on selecting and applying signal transducers.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban year-end dinner SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted its much-anticipated annual year-end dinner at the Mount Edgecombe Country Club on 22 November 2025. Durban’s summer weather provided the perfect backdrop for a warm, ...
Read more...Durban branch
SAIMC
At the Durban branch of the SAIMC held in October, Mitch Naidoo took the attendees on an interesting journey on Asset Health Management: Tracking The Pulse Of Your Plant.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the Durban branch of the SAIMC held in October, Mitch Naidoo took the attendees on an interesting journey on Asset Health Management: Tracking The Pulse Of Your Plant.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch technical evening was hosted by Proconics Advanced Solutions. The topic of the session was ‘Turning Big 3D Data into Actionable Engineering Insights – Challenges and Smart Solutions’.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council Annual Summit 2025 SAIMC
SAIMC
October 2025 marked a pivotal moment for the South African automation and manufacturing community as the SAIMC User Advisory Council hosted its first annual summit under the SAIMC banner.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a successful Technology Evening on 10 September. The event was well attended and generously sponsored by Phoenix Contact.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version